While the public transport systems traditionally concentrate on moving massive numbers of passengers, the system in Masdar is designed for a more comfortable ride. "The system could be best described as an automated taxi service, providing public transit with the service, convenience and luxury characteristics of a private, chauffeured automobile," Systematica said.

Each car will be able to accommodate four to six people. Once their car has pulled into the station, the passengers can select their destination and will be taken there directly. There are plans to add the option of multiple stops, according to Masara Al Ameri, Masdar's urban planning department manager, but this will be part of phase two.

Designers say that the system, which involves more than 2,500 vehicles making 150,000 trips a day between 83 stations, will mean that "no one will be more than 200m from 24/7 transit." Al Ameri says that passengers will have to queue for a maximum of two to three minutes in busy times, and there will always the option of calling up more cars if needed. She adds that it will take just six minutes to cross the city.